Developing and updating subject knowledge is an important and ongoing area of professional development. As well as formal subject-specific CPD, teachers can extend their pedagogical subject knowledge by researching and using curriculum materials. This article reviews the resources available from the National STEM Centre eLibrary to help teachers…

This article looks at how space can provide a context for the teaching of STEM subjects. It explores how space fits with the new curriculum, and outlines what resources are available for teachers from the National STEM Centre eLibrary. In November 2015, the UK sends its first official astronaut into space, Tim Peake. His mission can provide a…

This description features a set of lively demonstrations and observations, including some group work, that illustrate features of Earth science such as the Earth's rotation, ocean currents, the formation and erosion of rocks, earthquakes and volcanoes. All were shown in a one-hour presentation to teachers and can readily be used in schools,…

Summarizes the approach taken by a project that creates science teaching and learning materials for the Key Stage 3 Science Strategy in special schools. Includes the principles, a multi-sensory approach, the use of imaginative contexts which motivate and engage pupils, the matching of activities to pupils' literacy and numeracy capabilities, and…

Visual environment is a neglected area of study in secondary science. Investigates the structure of science classrooms, display materials used, and components of the science curriculum including information on the sex and subject specialization of staff involved with teacher trainees. (Author/YDS)

Describes the use of plastic bottles in making science models and displays, including wall displays of leaf structure and function, model teeth, and a model villus. (WRM)

Describes the technique and benefits of having physics students practice connecting paper models of electric circuits before attempting to use real ones. (WRM)

Describes a series of simple but spectacular chemistry demonstrations designed to capture children's imaginations. The demonstrations take the minimum amount of time to prepare, are relatively safe to dispose of, and reliable. (Author/WRM)

Describes a project in which museum guides were developed by university biology students. The guides encourage activities centered around the exhibits and identify discussion points while addressing elements of the British National Curriculum. (DDR)

Describes a project in which a British industrial organization, the Boots Company, a family of schools, and the one-year Post-Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) teacher training course at the School of Education at the University of Nottingham cooperated in developing science-focused material in the area of Economic and Industrial…

Describes the chemistry of dyeing, including acid, basic, vat, and disperse dyes. Includes laboratory experiments. (MLH)

Discusses the difficulty of explaining the concept of entropy, and provides exercises, experiments, and discussions concerning entropy. (MLH)

Discusses symmetry elements of molecules, symmetry operations, and point groups. Gives ten examples of assigning a point group to a molecule. (MLH)

Describes the construction of an amplifier and force transducer that can be used to demonstrate electrical activity in nerve and muscle using the gastrocnemius muscle and sciatic nerve of the frog. (MLH)

Suggests several mechanisms for catalysis by metal ion complexes. Discusses the principal factors of importance in these catalysis reactions and suggests reactions suitable for laboratory study. (MLH)